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Topic Review (Newest First)

02-15-2013 05:47 PM

HD Blazingwolf

Their output is high, but the quality of color changes if im not mistaken

The average life span of most T5s and T8s is 20,000 hours. That's like 5 years. Even after 40 percent of their life span if used up (22 months) T5s still have 94% output. So if you're changing bulbs every year, or even worse, every 8 months, your are spending a great deal of money to regain a couple percentage points.

The article is ten years old, but I think that makes for an even stronger case as bulb quality and efficiency has only improved over the years.

02-15-2013 01:35 PM

HD Blazingwolf

well are the HO or normal output? at 20 bux a bulb i will replace mine when their lifespan hours have been met
which on two of my bulbs will be about 9 months
and 4 of them being on half the time will be 18 months

02-15-2013 07:39 AM

PlantedTankLover

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubba Shrimp

I bought 4 for $40 Actinic and 12K off of ebay I going to see if there is any difference between the LFS ones and the ebay ones for life span. The LFS sells theirs for $40 each!

I also buy my bulbs from [Ebay Link Removed] I get 4, 6700k for $30 including shipping. Never thought twice about the quality though.

02-15-2013 07:36 AM

herns

Amazon sells open box bulb for a very low price.
I got two CF bulbs for $10+ each. Free shipping when I reached $25 total order.

These bulbs are Coralife Brand which would sell on ebay for I think over $30 each shipped.

02-15-2013 06:29 AM

Bubba Shrimp

I bought 4 for $40 Actinic and 12K off of ebay I going to see if there is any difference between the LFS ones and the ebay ones for life span. The LFS sells theirs for $40 each!

02-15-2013 05:06 AM

herns

I have CF bulbs that I forgot they are over 2 years old. I just had them changed last week.

Ive seen a lot of the difference on plant growth and lot more pearlings than the old ones.

02-15-2013 04:42 AM

Aquatic Delight

i try to do it once every 8 months or so. but i doubt it really depends on how often i actually remember to do it.

02-15-2013 04:07 AM

PlantedTankLover

How often do you change your bulbs?

Just wanted to see what other members are doing? I have a T5 set up, how often to change the bulbs?